I only stumbled upon it a week ago, even as dusk was already beginning to settle over Sara’s life. I read and then read some more.

You see, Sara suffered from a very strange disease that kept her homebound for at least a few years, based on what I’ve gathered.

Completely homebound. As in – no fresh air, no trips to the grocery store, no movie nights. Even her dog had to stay inside. She was allergic to the air. That’s right. No smelling the fresh spring rain, enjoying the sunshine on her face, trudging through the snow. She was a prisoner in her own home. She had to rely on others – for food, for prescriptions to be picked up, for house-cleaning, for so many things that we take for granted. She never went to the party … the party had to come to her.

She had to be okay with being needy. What a reminder of how very helpless we all truly are, despite our best pretending. Our needs come in different shapes and forms, but we all have them. We all need. That’s why God gives us one another. The Body of Christ is one of ministering and being ministered to. How much richer are lives are when we admit that we, too, are weak and can’t do it all ourselves.

Sara had a right to complain. To whine. To hate life. To isolate herself and just give up. More than anyone I can think of in this moment as I write, I think she earned that right – even deserved it. I mean, can you imagine? Beyond “just” the necessity to stay within your house’s walls to prevent complications, her disease was not a friendly one. She hurt. Intensely. There were no “normal” days, as her disease was never absolutely silent.

But Sara did not choose this path.

Sara chose joy. She deliberately, intentionally, willfully chose joy. She took her circumstance and used it to build a platform of encouragement. She ministered to others as she proclaimed God’s goodness and faithfulness. She found new ways to deeply connect to people. She cared for and supported her friends. She was grateful. Loving. Sincere.

She did not define herself a prisoner of her life – even in her last post, she shared that her definition of home was in the hearts of people, not in the four walls that enclosed her.

Sara passed away last night.

She’s rejoicing with our Faithful Father now, free of pain and free to roam the streets of gold without worry.

Oh, how her friends, those who have known her along the way, grieve for her. Yet even in their mourning, one thread runs through every post, every comment – because of Sara, they choose joy. Even in the hurt of losing a precious friend, Sara has taught every one how to choose joy no matter what.

How deeply that convicts me.

I know they say you’re not “supposed” to compare, but really, how can you keep from it sometimes? Seriously. What do I have that is possibly worth complaining about when I consider how much this mighty soul accomplished in the face of crippling circumstances – and all in a spirit of love and joy??

A single thread.

We all hang on by it at different times.

Sometimes we choose hold tightly to that thread and try to hide behind it.

Sometimes, like my friend, we choose to pray our way through it.

Sometimes, like Sara, we choose joy. Simple, trusting joy.

Weaving that single thread in and out of the lives of others – where all those threads together begin to create a beautiful fabric of support, caring, and trust.

Oh, may I be more like my friend and Sara. Inspiring faith. Genuine joy.

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4 responses to “By a Thread.”

I’m so glad you have such a faithful friend who cuts to the heart of the matter! I’m also glad you found beautiful, joyful Sara ~ wasn’t she one of His most amazing creations? I love what you’ve said today, and I’m so glad you’re back.

Remember: We all hang on that thread from time to time; the trick is to not let go.

Found your blog through (in)courage. I continue to be amazed as I blog hop at how many people were impacted by Sara. What a legacy she’s left for us to continue. Looking forward to reading more from you.

Thanks for stopping by, Beth! Sara’s legacy has definitely touched my heart and I, too, have been astounded to see how many lives she was able to impact. I am headed to your blog to get to know you a little better now – hope you will come back again soon!